First National Bank: Stop firing gay employees

My name is Marty Edwards, and I was recently fired from my job of 11 years just because I'm gay. Now I need your help to make sure no one has to go through what I went through at First National Bank of Granbury, Texas -- ever again.

On September 27, 2012, I asked Executive Vice President James G. Hodges and Human Resources Director Lisa D. Hopkins why I continued to be passed over for promotions, despite my long history with the bank and my excellent work ethic. Their reasoning: the other candidates were "a better fit for the image we are looking for."

I then asked them to clarify if indeed my sexual orientation disqualified me. At this point, Hodges demanded my resignation. When I refused, he informed me that my employment was terminated.

I was devastated and humiliated.

Unfortunately, Texas is one of 29 states that does not have an employment non-discrimination law covering sexual orientation or gender identity. Which means that in 29 U.S. states, people like me can legally be fired just for being the way God made us.

That's not fair. But you can help me make it better in Granbury, Texas.

Please join me in urging First National Bank to adopt an employment non-discrimination policy, so no one else has to go through what I went through.

I hope that my story will shed some light on the very real and painful discrimination that LGBT people still face in this country. Someday, I really hope that we can pass federal legislation that will protect people like me in the workplace.

But for now, your signature will send a clear message to First National Bank that its not ok to fire someone for being gay. Please take this small step towards equality, today.